Sofie Persson

This week’s Off The Pitch features a player who has recently been given an opportunity to train with the Brisbane Roar W-League squad after impressing in a stint at the Sunshine Coast Fire. Find out more about Sofie Persson.

(Photo: Supplied)

QSN: How were you introduced to the game and who was your main football influence?

SP: I grew up with three brothers – they all played soccer from an early age. I guess I was that annoying little sister that wanted to do everything they did!

QSN: Tell us about your football playing history

SP: I started playing soccer when I was six years old, in my hometown Vimmerby (Sweden), with Vimmerby Idrotts Förening (Sports Club). I was coerced into playing goal keeper before I realised I was a striker at heart. I played in the state/district team until I was sixteen, and trialled for the junior national team during these years. At nineteen, I graduated high school and moved away from home to play soccer in Sweden’s second highest league, for Lindsdal IF and IFK Kalmar. This national league offered me the opportunity to travel the country. At twenty-one, I packed my bags and moved to Australia for further study. It was only a number of weeks before I was back on the field playing for Maroochydore Football Club. That year, Maroochydore had a very successful season, winning both the premiership and grand final. Sunshine Coast Fire contacted me after my season with them and after trialling and renewing my visa, I joined the Fire.

QSN: What opportunities has football given you?

SP: Football has always been a big part of my life and has taught me a lot about myself. From an early age, I was traveling a lot with my state team and playing on a semi-pro level in Sweden. These experiences have been invaluable. The most rewarding thing, however, has been all the people I have met and the friends I have made throughout the years both back home and here in Australia!

QSN: How are you enjoying playing at Sunshine Coast Fire?

SP: I´m really liking it. The team create an amazing atmosphere, they welcomed me with open arms and we are led by a really good coach. The only negative would be the bibs – there must be a fault; I always seem to struggle getting them on!

QSN: Who is the best player you have played with or against in your career?

SP: When I was younger, I got to train with Kosovare Asllani; she is a professional footballer and is now playing in the national team. We grew up in the same small town and played in the same club. I also played against a number of woman who currently play for the Swedish national team. When it comes to my best striker buddies throughout the years I have four favourites; Josephine Larsson, Camilla Näslund, Siobhan Macken and Samara Christmas.

QSN: Recently you scored five goals in one game describe to us how that felt?

SP: Well, I was stoked of course! It was just one of those games when everything worked. I must say, I got some pretty good set ups from my team mates.

QSN: How was the adjustment from Swedish football to Sunshine Coast football?

SP: It was an easy transition; the game is the same, the passion is the same. It´s nice not to have to endure training at -10 C!

QSN: Time for 5 rapid fire questions! Your favorite drink, music, food, football idol and which football club do you support?

SP: Drink – Coffee (preferable Swedish), Music – I love a lot of music, but cant handle screamo. Food – Everything, except mushrooms. If I had to choose, it would be tacos. Football idol – Roy Krishna. Football club – Wellington Phoenix

QSN: What do you do with yourself away from the football pitch?

SP: I recently finished a diploma of fitness and am currently completing a diploma of business. I work in hospitality and also as a life assistant. I spend my spare time at different restaurants or coffee shops with friends. I try to travel as much as possible when I have the time.

QSN: If you weren’t a footballer, what other sport would you play?

SP: I played Tennis and Floor Ball (Indoor Hockey) when I was younger but gave them up to pursue football, so, probably one of those. I would love to learn how to play golf, but at the moment I don’t have the patience; I´ll save that one for when I´m a senior.

Thanks Sofie for speaking with us and all the best for your trial at the Brisbane Roar. Sofie and her Sunshine Coast Fire teammates make the long journey to Toowoomba this week to take on the SWQ Thunder on Saturday afternoon at 3pm.